Games like Skylanders have some pretty intense appeal for kids, and they cater to the toy market quite nicely as well. The LEGO games also have a pretty good handle on that section of the market. Sick Bricks from Spin Master takes the madcap weirdness and love of building blocks from LEGO, and fuses it with the real world-meets-toy world concept behind Skylanders to an impressive degree.

The game itself uses simple but seemingly intuitive and responsive touch controls to let you wander around the world of Sick Bricks. Of course by "wander" I really mean "fight badguys and explore various locations for goodies."

What's cool is that you can find (i.e. purchase separately) all sorts of toys, then scan them into the game using your device's built-in camera. Admittedly this method can run into problems when the lighting is a bit dim, but I was seriously impressed with just how well it worked even in semi-dusky conditions. It also works extremely fast. You just line the character up to the wireframe and a couple seconds later you've got them in the game. Character parts like heads, bodies, and hats are interchangeable, so you can mix and match all your real world toys for some truly bizarre (and powerful) creations.

You can also build and scan vehicles, but I didn't get to see this particular feature in action so I can't be sure if it's as simple and quick as character scanning. It's certainly a neat idea, though.

If any of this sounds like your kind of thing, you won't have long to wait for it. Sick Bricks will be coming to the App Store this Thursday (3/12) as a free download.

Some of the most successful gaming properties in history were born in Japan. That is why we immediately jump and take notice when, of all people, Disney announced that they were expanding the launch of the extremely successful Japanese puzzle title Line: Disney Tsum Tsum, globally. The game quickly climbed to #1 on the Japanese puzzle charts shortly after launch, and the game's publisher LINE, are no doubt hoping that it now does the same worldwide.

In tandem with the launch of the game, the Disney Store is pleased to announce that they are now stocking a series of plush, Tsum Tsum characters.

The adorable LINE: Disney Tsum Tsum is available now on the App Store for free.

This week at 148Apps.com, we celebrated the coming Memorial Day holiday with a closer look and an ever-growing list of apps on sale. Site editor Rob LeFebvre writes, "So, it’s that time of year again! BBQs, lawn chairs, beer, and the ability to finally wear shorts with sandals without fear of frostbite. Tan those legs and check out all the huge sales that are going on across the App Store below. We’ll try and keep it updated as we go this weekend, so be sure to let us know of any good sales on iOS apps..."

At GiggleApps, writer Amy Solomon reviewed The First Million-Teach Your Child to Read. Solomon says, "The First Million is a lovely universal “mix and match” book application that adults and children will find interesting as well as intuitive as here, as the pages of this book are split into three sections – each being able to be flipped back and forth to create new and intriguing illustrations and word combinations. Unlike other “mix and match” books where one can look for the corresponding thirds of the same image to make a match, this app is completely open-ended with no right or wrong matches to be made, giving children free range to produce any and all combinations they may fancy."

Finally, 148Apps.biz writer Kevin Stout reported on Disney's push into Angry Birds territory. Stout writes, "Intensely popular Disney game, Where’s My Water?, will be receiving its first line of merchandise based on the game. The physics-based puzzler by Disney has been popular on both iOS and Android. Fans of the popular game can now buy all kinds of merchandise featuring the story’s character, Swampy the Alligator."

There is a new app/accessory hybrid for card gamers that is changing the rules. Or at least it aims to. Bicycle Jacked Up! Interactive Card Games gives traditional cards a very 21st century twist.

The special playing cards made by the well-known Bicycle brand are available at most major retailers or can be purchased directly from their web site. Right now card lovers can buy War, Solitaire or Hearts for around six dollars each, and the cards come with a special iPhone stand. When used with the iPhone or iPad app, Jack the Joker hosts a multi-media “adventure” that adds both comedy and gameplay variations to the classics along with live card games. We love the way the app switches up the rules of these familiar games to add variety and replay value.

Don’t have the special cards yet? The apps can also be used to keep and share scores for several players at once. If you grab a deck, be sure to let us know what you think in the comments.

Halfbrick, developers of the immensely popular Fruit Ninja games has announced a lineup of brand new licensed Fruit Ninja products from a number of partners. These new products will include key chains, toys, plush figures, card and board games, headwear, bags, apparel, underwear, phone cases, calendars, fruit snacks, stickers, posters, and other odd and ends.

While it's not yet clear exactly what these products will be when they are all realized, the prospect of Fruit Ninja card games and underwear is interesting to say the least. These products will be produced through a number of partners and will begin to roll out this week. As of yet, no announcements have been made concerning the cost of any of the products or where they will be available for purchase.

"For the first time, we're creating characters and personalities around the fruit that players slice through," says Halfbrick CEO Shainiel Deo, commenting on the new products. "I'm confident that the Fruit Ninja community will love these products."

Hugely popular iOS game developers, Chillingo, have today announced that they're not finished with feeding the cute little creature, Om Nom, just yet. The hit game, Cut the Rope, will be receiving its version 1.4 update in the near future, entitled 'Toy Box'. With this update will come 25 brand new levels, some new features and even new game mechanics that'll offer players some different ways to feed the little, green fellow.

New features will include a 'Star Key' that allows players to unlock boxes and the ability to choose what type of food is being played with -- so it's the players' choice whether Om Nom has candy or donuts, but please do try to mix it up and ensure the little guy gets a balanced and varied diet. They're also putting some hidden drawings into every box which can be unlocked and shared with friends via Facebook, while the final listed feature will allow one to get those friends playing by way of a built in 'Gift This App' option.

Finally, seeing as it's a 'Toy Box' update, there had better be some toys, right? Well there is; Chillingo are also launching a range of plush Om Nom toys, pictured below, although there's no revelation of when or where we'll be able to buy these from just yet.